North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging all North Dakotans to choose to be immunized against respiratory infections to prevent serious illness.

These infections, which include influenza, respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV), and COVID-19, can follow a seasonal pattern with more cases in late fall and winter. During the 2022-2023 season, these viruses placed a heavy burden on families and health care systems.

The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Developmental Disabilities (DD) Section is seeking public comment on the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disability (IID/DD) waiver renewal application. 

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death to children in North Dakota and nationwide. In the last five years, 30 North Dakota children were killed due to motor vehicle crashes. Of those children, 30% were unrestrained. Children who are unrestrained or restrained incorrectly are at much higher risk. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services is inviting residents to a quarterly update about the state’s efforts to make it easier for North Dakotans with physical disabilities to live at home with in-home help and other community support services on Sept. 14, 1-3 p.m. CDT in Bismarck or virtually. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/news/publicnotice

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month this September, North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is encouraging awareness of resources and key actions that can help save lives. While suicide prevention is important year-round, education, promoting compassion, learning and sharing resources during this month can help all North Dakotans be prepared to play an important role in preventing a tragic decision to be made by a struggling individual.

The Office of the First Lady, Office of Recovery Reinvented and North Dakota Health and Human Services' (HHS) Behavioral Health Division is celebrating North Dakotans and their family members in recovery, recognizing the dedicated individuals who provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports, and raising awareness about programs and services that can support people to achieve recovery.

The Behavioral Health Division of the North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Speak Volumes alcohol awareness campaign, has a new website app that empowers users to make responsible decisions by knowing the alcohol content of beverages.

Today, Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is commemorating the day by remembering those lost due to drug overdoses without stigma and recognizing the grief of their family members and friends. The HHS Behavioral Health Division is raising awareness about available prevention resources that can help save North Dakotans’ lives.

As children head back into the classroom and restart their routines, Parents Lead is reminding parents and caregivers of the different tools and resources it provides to help navigate the emotional responses that children and teenagers have during this exciting and stressful time.  

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus (WNV) cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause WNV infection. 

As of Aug. 22, North Dakota reported nine human WNV cases, with additional cases pending further results. Of the nine cases, eight were hospitalized, and seven were neuroinvasive cases. In addition to human cases, three birds and 22 mosquito pools have also tested positive for WNV.  

The Gateway to Health event will take place Saturday, Aug. 26  Community participants will have FREE access to the North Dakota Gateway to Science exhibits for their registered two-hour time slot and access to interactive health booths and exhibitors. IMPORTANT: attendees must be preregistered to attend the event.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program’s standard of need will increase to 50% of the federal poverty level beginning Aug. 1. The increase comes in conjunction with the removal of the Pay After Performance requirement that came into effect on July 1, as part of an overall modernization effort.  

North Dakota’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will hold a listening session on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. CDT, to gather ideas on how to make a positive impact on the state’s system of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services targeting opioid misuse and addiction.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends some back-to-school health and well-being practices to support strong, stable families and vibrant communities. 

Registration is now open for North Dakota Health and Human Services Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services Conference Oct. 24-26 at the Bismarck Event Center or virtually by an online livestream for behavioral health and child care professionals. A preconference session on ethics starts at 1 p.m. CDT on Oct. 23.   

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the Children and Family Services Section has $700,000 available in 2023 for grant funding for agencies and professionals to become trained in and provide approved, evidence-based Title IV-E prevention services. Approved services focus on behavioral health and in-home parent skill-based programs supporting family stability and preventing children from entering foster care. The grants will be open until all funds are allocated or the deadline of Dec. 31, whichever comes first.  

Parents and other caregivers care about keeping children safe while they play. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and their partners sponsor free local car seat checkups to help caregivers keep their children safe on the way when riding in vehicles. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Money Follows the Person program stakeholders are meeting Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1-4 p.m. CDT, to review and discuss ongoing efforts to serve North Dakotans with disabilities closer to home and outside of institutional settings. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Behavioral Health Division invites the public to its booth at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, July 21-29, to learn about Parents Lead, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other behavioral health programs that support the health and well-being of North Dakotans.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that HHS Deputy Commissioner Sara Stolt has been selected to participate in the 2023 Council of State Governments (CSG) Henry Toll Fellowship.

The Toll Fellowship brings together 47 individuals representing 29 of the states and U.S. territories and from all branches of state government and is considered the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is inviting the public to comment on the state's application for Federal Title V Block Grant funds that support preventive and primary care health services for women and children for the next federal fiscal year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30, 2024). 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is hosting virtual 30-minute lunch and learn programs over the noon hour to inform individuals about services that support the health and well-being of North Dakotans as they age. 

The July lunch and learn sessions begin at noon on July 13 and July 27 and feature a representative from the Social Security Administration (SSA). On July 13, North Dakotans can learn about Social Security benefits for children. SSA representative Patty Hoffman will share information about eligibility for children under a parent’s record, benefits for children with disabilities, applying to be a representative payee and reporting responsibilities.  

The 22nd annual Indian Child Welfare and Wellness Conference, titled “Honoring the Past, Healing the Present, Shaping the Future,” will be held July 25-27, at Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt, N.D.  

Hosted by the Native American Training Institute (NATI), in partnership with North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Children and Family Services Section, the conference features experts on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), as well as training for professionals on topics including family preservation, human trafficking in indigenous communities, and ethics.  

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, providers and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide public comments on the proposed renewal of the Medicaid autism spectrum disorder waiver.  

The waiver provides services to eligible children and supports parents in their efforts to maximize their child’s development, while also preventing out-of-home placements. 

Many North Dakotans may have plans this Independence Day holiday to enjoy the summer weather with picnics, recreational activities, fireworks and other activities.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) offers some helpful tips and reminders for North Dakotans who may be celebrating our nation’s independence this weekend through the fourth of July.

As summer heats up, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds residents that cooling assistance is available to qualifying households to help with the cost of purchasing or repairing air conditioners and other cooling devices.  

To participate, households must qualify financially for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also known as heating assistance, which serves households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income.  

North Dakota’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will hold a listening session from noon to 2 p.m. CT Thursday, June 29, to gather thoughts and ideas on how to impact the state’s system of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services targeting opioid misuse and addiction. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is hosting virtual 30-minute lunch and learn programs over the noon hour to inform individuals about services that support the health and well-being of North Dakotans as they age. 

On June 22, North Dakotans can learn about an online resource for in-home support service providers called the Qualified Service Provider (QSP) Hub, and on June 29, they can learn about Social Security online services. 

Communities around the globe, including North Dakota, recognize June as Men’s Health Month, an annual observance dedicated to education and activities promoting the health and wellness of men and boys. This year also marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week, which is being celebrated June 12-18 this year as part of the larger awareness campaign of Men’s Health Month.

This June, during national Reunification Month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing parents, relatives, partner agencies and service providers for their efforts to reunify children with families. In 2022, 460 North Dakota children were able to leave foster care and safely reunify with their parents or guardians. Other children informally living with family and friends are also reunified with their parents each year. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that Medicaid strategist and policy expert Sarah Aker has been selected to lead its Medical Services Division, which administers Medicaid services, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), autism services and other related health services that benefit North Dakotans. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is urging North Dakotans who receive ND Medicaid renewal forms, also known as review forms, to complete and return them to a human service zone office within 30 days to ensure continued coverage, if they still qualify.  

On May 31, about 13,100 ND Medicaid members were due for a renewal and only about one in three members who were sent a renewal form returned it, which means 4,421 people were disenrolled on May 31 even though many may still qualify for coverage.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Medical Services Division is seeking public comment on an amendment of its Medicaid 1915(c) waiver for medically fragile children. The waiver allows Medicaid to pay for services for children ages three to 18 who are medically fragile. The goal of this waiver is to provide services that assist families in keeping their children home instead of having to place them in a nursing facility or hospital to receive needed care. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages North Dakotans to have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. With a focus on prevention, health and well-being, we encourage the public to review some summer safety information and learn more about other seasonal health and well-being resources as we head into the warmer months. 

North Dakota State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and North Dakota Health and Human Services Commissioner Chris Jones announced that about 45,000 North Dakota children will be able to receive food assistance this summer.

The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer, or P-EBT for short, will benefit two different groups: children ages 0-5 whose households receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, and school-age children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging the public to take steps to protect against hantavirus disease. As the weather begins to warm, many people will be cleaning cabins, sheds and other outdoor buildings that have been closed for the winter. These are places that exposure to hantavirus is more likely to occur.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends people take precautions against ticks and the diseases they carry.

On any given day, North Dakota’s foster care system supports about 1,450 children, providing temporary care to keep children safe while local supports and services are put in place to help stabilize families and work toward reuniting them.

This May during National Foster Care Month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing family caregivers, foster care providers, and others involved in child welfare services, and reminds North Dakotans about ways they can support children and families.

As another school year wraps up and families are planning for summer, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reminding parents and caregivers to make sure their children are current on immunizations. Many pediatric and family practice clinics throughout the state are already booking wellness and physical activity appointments into the next few months. Making an appointment now ensures that your child is ready for the upcoming school year.

An estimated 21,000 North Dakotans are affected by blindness or have serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses.*1

North Dakota Health and Human Services will host a 30-minute lunch and learn program on Thursday, May 18, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. CDT, to share information about vision services that can help older adults affected by blindness and serious vision loss remain independent. People can participate online or by telephone.

Income eligibility guidelines for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels.  The change increases the amount of income a family can make and still qualify for services. Effective May 1, 2023, a family of four can earn up to $4,625 each month (or $55,500 annually) and meet the new WIC income eligibility requirements. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced that its West Central Human Service Center (WCHSC) and several other offices at its Prairie Hills Plaza location at 1237 W. Divide Ave., in Bismarck, will be closed on Monday, May 15, due to water main repair work.

With the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency today, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds North Dakotans about health priorities, early intervention and prevention, and the programs and services that are available to support health and well-being.  

National Prevention Week is May 7-13. North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division, along with community partners, is raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health and resources that are available to all North Dakotans.

Income eligibility guidelines for diagnostic and treatment services available through North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Special Health Services Unit (SHS) have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels. The change increases the amount of income a family can earn and still qualify for services. Effective May 1, 2023, a family of four can earn up to $55,500 annually (or $4,625 monthly per household) and still meet income eligibility requirements.

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Money Follows the Person program is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, May 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. CDT, to share information and updates on efforts to serve individuals with disabilities at home in their communities.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. North Dakota Health and Human Services is raising awareness about the importance of mental health and sharing resources that can help North Dakotans improve their overall health and well-being. 

North Dakota’s temporary, pandemic emergency rent and utility assistance program, ND Rent Help, has reached a utilization milestone one year earlier than projected, having provided housing stability to over 17,500 lower-income households.   

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) will be hosting a weekly lunch and learn webinar each Wednesday starting May 10 to highlight work being done to transform the health and human services delivery system by adopting person-centered practices. 

WEATHER-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT: 7:10 a.m. CT Update 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) offices in Devils Lake and Grand Forks and two outreach offices in Grafton and Rolla will delay opening until 10 a.m. CT today, April 21 due to hazardous weather conditions. Details appear below.

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Developmental Disabilities (DD) Section is seeking public comments on an amendment of the Medicaid 1915(c) Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (IID/DD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver dated Jan. 1, 2021.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services is inviting individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, guardians and service providers to a public meeting, April 27, 1-2:30 p.m. CT, to learn about the upcoming changes that include returning to some pre-pandemic policies and practices, as well as other changes. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) offices in Devils Lake, Fargo and Grand Forks and two outreach offices in Grafton and Rolla will delay opening until 10 a.m. CDT today, April 6. HHS offices in Jamestown and outreach office in Valley City will delay opening until noon CDT today. Details appear below.

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) agency announced that the Grand Forks County Youth Shelter has become certified to provide temporary shelter for children ages 10-17 to help prevent foster care placements. The goal is child safety and well-being, while strengthening and stabilizing families.

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Rolla and Valley City that directly serve clients will close today, April 4 at noon CDT, and will remain closed all day tomorrow, April 5, in response to winter weather warnings and anticipated hazardous travel conditions.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is celebrating National Public Health Week, April 3-9, and recognizing the public health professionals on its team, in local public health units, and in other settings who work to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of North Dakotans of all ages across the state.

In recognition of national Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April, Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND) and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) are joining parent and family resource centers, local child welfare service providers and other partner agencies in highlighting the importance of working together in communities to serve and support children and families so that child abuse and neglect can be prevented. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ offices in Jamestown and satellite outreach office in Valley City will delay opening until 10 a.m. CT today, March 22, due to hazardous travel conditions. Details appear below.
 

March 19-25 is nationally recognized as Poison Prevention Week. This year’s National Poison Prevention Week theme, “When poison happens, we’re here for you” aims to raise awareness of the danger of poisons and provide appropriate resources available to citizens. This week, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about the resources available to families in the event of poisoning. HHS also wants citizens to know that poison centers are available 24/7 for questions and emergencies.

Child welfare and behavioral health professionals, educators and others who work with children and families to promote strong, stable families will benefit from attending the 2023 North Dakota Family-Based Services Conference, March 28-31, at the Holiday Inn of Fargo. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services is inviting residents to a quarterly update and discussion on March 16, 1 – 3 p.m. CDT, on the state’s efforts to make it easier for North Dakotans with physical disabilities to live at home with in-home help and other community support services. The goal is to ensure people have care options and can delay or avoid nursing home care if they choose. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reaching out to employers to participate in the new Working Parents Child Care Relief pilot program. The program will  match employer-led child care benefits of at least $300 per month. The new public-private partnership can help employers attract and retain workforce while providing some working parents with financial relief from the high cost of child care for infants and toddlers. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services is seeking public comment on an amendment to terminate the state’s Medicaid 1915(c) Technology Dependent waiver effective July 1, 2023, due to under use and other available service options. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced that its West Central Human Service Center (WCHSC) and several other offices at its Prairie Hills Plaza location at 1237 W. Divide Ave., in Bismarck, have closed temporarily today, March 7, due to a possible natural gas leak.   

WEATHER-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT: 7 a.m. CST Update 
HHS offices in Dickinson will delay opening until 10 a.m. MST today, March 6

Parents of children with a life limiting diagnosis, providers, and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide public comments on proposed renewal of the Medicaid Children’s Hospice waiver. North Dakota Health and Human Services is seeking federal approval to renew the waiver for another five years. Comments will be accepted until March 30, at 5 p.m. CT. 

WEATHER-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT: 7:30 a.m. CST Update 
HHS offices in Bismarck, Fargo, Jamestown and Valley City will be closed today, March 1 

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Fargo, Jamestown and Valley City will be closed today, Feb. 23, due to hazardous weather and travel conditions. Details appear below.

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ offices in Fargo will delay opening until noon CST today, Feb. 15. HHS offices in Grand Forks and two satellite outreach offices in Rolla and Valley City will delay opening until 10 a.m. due to hazardous travel conditions. Details appear below.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and its human service zone partners announced today the launch of a new customer service experience for individuals applying for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Care Assistance Program and other financial help.

February is nationally designated as Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long health observance brings together dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their parents and other caregivers, teachers and others.

North Dakota’s Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will meet today, Feb. 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. CST in the North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance conference room, 1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 1, in Bismarck. The public is invited to attend.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ offices in Grand Forks and satellite outreach office in Grafton will delay opening until 10 a.m. CST today, Jan. 27, due to hazardous travel conditions.

Health and Human Services is urging North Dakota Medicaid members to update their contact information so they can receive important new information in the coming months about their Medicaid coverage. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Developmental Disabilities Section wants to hear from individuals with disabilities who are receiving services, their families, guardians, service providers and others on HHS person-centered practice goals and balancing dignity, choice and risk.

On Jan. 1, 2023, North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Medicaid program extended health care coverage for eligible pregnant and new mothers from 60 days to 12 months after pregnancy to help improve maternal and child health outcomes and overall well-being. 

As medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with birth defects are living longer and healthier lives. Recent reports show that rates of infant deaths due to birth defects have declined by 10% in the United States. However, every 4½ minutes a baby is born with a major birth defect in the United States. That’s why North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is promoting Birth Defects Prevention Month and working to increase awareness.

The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Primary Care Office is now accepting applications for the North Dakota Health Service Corps from qualified health care professionals and health care sites.

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Rolla and Valley City are closed today, Dec. 23, in response to hazardous weather and travel conditions. Affected offices include six of the agency’s regional human service centers and their satellite and outreach offices, and the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and child support offices. 

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSURES: Dec. 22, 2022, 3 p.m. CST
HHS offices in Bismarck are closing at 3:30 p.m. today, Dec. 22

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Dickinson will be closing today, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, due to hazardous weather and travel conditions. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is hosting a public conversation on Jan. 4, 2023, from 11 a.m. to noon CT, to share new developments about the National Core Indicators (NCI) used by the state to measure quality of services and their impact on individuals with disabilities. A meeting notice with details is online at hhs.nd.gov/news/publicnotice.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) and North Dakota Health and Human Services today announced the addition of peer support as a covered service under the Medicaid Expansion program. 

Health and Human Services Commissioner Chris Jones announced that ND State Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rosalie Etherington has resigned. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services updated its office closures. HHS offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, Rolla, Valley City and Williston that directly serve clients will remain closed on Dec. 16 due to ongoing hazardous weather and travel conditions. Offices in Grafton and Grand Forks delayed their opening until 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. 

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSURES: Dec. 16, 2022, 7:00 a.m. CT

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Fargo, Grafton and Grand Forks will have a delayed opening at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16. HHS offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, Minot, Rolla, Valley City and Williston that directly serve clients will remain closed Friday, Dec. 16 due to ongoing hazardous weather and travel conditions. 

Affected offices include six of the agency’s regional human service centers and some satellite and outreach offices, and the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and child support offices in the affected regions. Details appear below. 
 

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health Division (BHD) and Vision Zero are teaming up to raise awareness about ways to prevent injuries and deaths resulting from impaired driving during the holiday season. 

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSURES: Dec. 15, 2022, 7:00 a.m. CT

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, Rolla, Valley City and Williston that directly serve clients will be closed Thursday, Dec. 15 due to ongoing hazardous weather and travel conditions. Affected offices include all eight of the agency’s regional human service centers and their satellite and outreach offices, and the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and child support offices. Details appear below. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new online licensing system for child care providers. The modern, online system replaces a manual paper process. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, Rolla, Valley City and Williston will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 14 in response to hazardous weather and travel conditions. Affected offices include all eight of the agency’s regional human service centers and their satellite and outreach offices, and the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and child support offices.

Several North Dakota Health and Human Services offices that provide direct services in Bismarck will close today, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. due to dangerous weather conditions.

Last week, following authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended expanded use of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 6 months through 5 years.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Task Force wants to know whether North Dakotans are aware of programs and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, if individuals’ needs are being met, or if gaps in services and access issues may exist.   

World AIDS Day is recognized every year on December 1, to bring awareness to the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This day is a time to reflect on the response efforts, while also honoring the lives of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and showing support for those living with HIV. 

Interest in alternatives to nursing facility care is growing according to North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS). During the first half of 2022, the agency’s Aging and Disability Resource Link was contacted by 6,839 individuals seeking information about in-home and community-based support services. This almost equals the population of Watford City. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Emergency Medical Systems Unit recognizes CHI Mercy Health Valley City as the first Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital in North Dakota.

As National Family Caregiver Month comes to a close, North Dakotans are encouraged to continue to recognize and express gratitude for unpaid family caregivers who make it possible for loved ones who are older or living with a disability or terminal illness to continue living at home.

On Monday, Nov. 21, as part of a national recognition, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) celebrates Public Health Thank You Day.  

Today, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) together with partner organizations, launched Faces of Medicaid, an initiative to raise awareness about the life-changing impacts North Dakota (ND) Medicaid has on people who qualify for the program. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has recognized two organizations for supporting an inclusive workforce by hiring, training and inspiring people with disabilities to excel in the workforce.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) team presented performance and recognition awards to 12 team members at an annual training conference Oct. 26 in Minot.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) is encouraging all North Dakotans to choose to be vaccinated against influenza. Nationwide, and in North Dakota, there has been an increase in influenza in recent weeks. This increase in influenza cases has happened in conjunction with an early increase in other respiratory viruses, especially among children.

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Dickinson will be closed today, Nov. 10, in response to winter weather warnings and hazardous travel conditions.

North Dakota Health and Human Services offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Rolla and Valley City will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10 in response to winter weather warnings and anticipated hazardous travel conditions. Affected offices include five of the agency’s regional human service centers and their satellite and outreach offices, and the agency’s vocational rehabilitation offices co-located at those sites. Details appear below.

Nov. 3, 2022, marks the seventh annual One Health Day, a Global Day of Action that promotes awareness of the relationships among human, animal and ecosystem health. North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture (NDDA), Game and Fish Department (NDGF), Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encourage the public to recognize the interconnection of people, animals, plants and the environment they share.

Beginning Nov. 1, participating child care providers will notice improvements in the payment portal, called the Self Service Portal. The payment process will also change to align with the process most providers use of billing families in advance for child care. CCAP payments will be made to providers at the beginning of the month for care provided that month and will be based on the attendance schedule of participating children.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit are investigating a reported case of active Tuberculosis Disease (TB) in Nelson County.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has received reports of increased numbers of pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, otherwise known as RSV. Due to the current increased activity, HHS is encouraging broader testing for RSV among young children and older adults who have acute (severe) respiratory illness. 

The North Dakota Early Intervention Program in the state’s Health and Human Services agency has received a third year of funding from the federal Department of Education to continue work strengthening early intervention services for children with developmental delays.

Today, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Division responded to the final report of an audit of the Department of Health conducted by the Office of the State Auditor that covered the biennium ending June 2021.

“The auditor’s office spent over one year completing their inquiry. During this time, they reviewed testing of compliance and financial records, contact tracing, COVID-19 deaths, COVID-19 vaccine storage, handling and distribution, COVID-19 testing and reporting, and COVID-19 dashboards and information systems and had no findings for these areas,” said HHS Public Health Division Executive Director Dirk Wilke.

Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month and October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In North Dakota, approximately 59 pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth each year (after 20 weeks of pregnancy).

Health and human service professionals and service providers are invited to attend the North Dakota Symposium on Adults, Aging and Disabilities, Oct. 26-27, at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck.   

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended expanded use of the newly-available bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as a single-dose booster for children ages 5 to 11 who previously completed the primary series at least two months prior.

Over 800 behavioral health and child welfare professionals are registered to participate in the North Dakota Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services conference, Oct. 11-13 at the Fargo Holiday Inn or virtually via an online livestream platform.

As grocery prices continue to rise in the U.S. due to inflation, North Dakota WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is partnering with the other WIC agencies across the country to remind families of the services it provides during WIC National Enrollment Week from Monday, Oct. 10 through Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.

Parents Lead, a North Dakota program administered by the state’s Health and Human Services agency’s Behavioral Health Division, has created new information to help parents, caregivers, professionals who work with children and other trusted adults understand bullying and how they can help children and youth who may be affected by it.

Gov. Burgum proclaimed the month of October as Influenza Prevention Month and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is reminding everyone to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) this fall.

Today, North Dakota’s Health and Human Services agency’s Behavioral Health Division launched a mental health program directory to better help North Dakotans locate and access mental health services in the state. This is the latest development in the state’s efforts to enhance and streamline access to vital mental health services.

The state’s Health and Human Services agency is reminding North Dakotans who may need help paying their winter heating bills that they can now apply for the state’s home energy assistance program. Applications for the upcoming 2022-2023 heating season can be submitted now through May 31, 2023.

Today, North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) agency’s Behavioral Health Division announced a third round of grant funding for eligible North Dakota public, private and tribal elementary and secondary schools to enhance their behavioral health services and supports for students with behavioral health needs.

Organizations and agencies are gathering in Bismarck early next week to discuss solutions to the state’s growing behavioral health workforce shortage.

Two key priorities of North Dakota’s Health and Human Services agency are behavioral health and strong, stable families. These topics are the cornerstone of an upcoming conference hosted by the agency’s Behavioral Health and Children and Families Services divisions on Oct. 11-13. Individuals can attend either in-person at the Holiday Inn Fargo or virtually by an online livestream. 

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services agency is offering more than $2 million in provider development grants to entities that want to develop or expand in-home and community-based (HCBS) services that enable North Dakotans with disabilities to live more independently in the community.

During National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24, 2022, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in partnership with Vision Zero warns parents and caregivers not to transition their children from a belt positioning booster seat to only a seat belt too early. Children who use a belt positioning booster seat in the back seat of the car are 45% less likely to be injured in a crash than children who use only a seat belt.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) was notified on September 16, 2022, that the raccoon identified in connection with the incident at the Maddock Bar tested negative for rabies.

HHS issued a statement on September 13 regarding the situation, as at that time the whereabouts of the raccoon were still being determined. 

Both the original story and the update are available in this post.

Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed September as Recovery Month in North Dakota.

This month, North Dakota’s Health and Human Services agency’s Behavioral Health Division wants to raise awareness about programs and services that can support people in recovery, celebrate North Dakotans and their family members in recovery and recognize the dedicated individuals who provide the prevention, treatment and recovery support services that make recovery possible.   

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) encourage people who come into contact with live poultry to take precautions to avoid illness. Contact with live poultry or their environments can be a source of germs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. There is also a potential for infection with avian Influenza A virus.

Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford were joined by state legislators today at a press conference in Fargo to announce a framework for legislation to address the availability, affordability and quality of child care services in North Dakota, which continues to be a major barrier to workforce participation.

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services agency’s (HHS) Behavioral Health Division has been awarded a four-year System of Care Expansion and Sustainability Grant by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to enhance mental health outcomes for children and youth, birth through age 21.

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) agency is hosting two in-person and two virtual stakeholder meetings Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Wednesday, Sept. 21 to gather public feedback on several recommendations outlined in the recent Renee Schulte Consulting final report.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus (WNV) cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause WNV infection.

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) agency is inviting older adults, adults with physical disabilities and others to a discussion and listening session on Thursday, Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m. CT, focusing on the state’s progress expanding access to in-home and community-based long-term support services.

North Dakota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) agency announced that the Youthworks facility in Minot has become certified to provide temporary shelter for children ages 10-17 to help prevent foster care placements. Certification means the facility can receive state funding.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the recommendation from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of two newly available bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for use as a single-dose booster in individuals 12 years and older.

National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 4-10. The Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health Division wants to remind North Dakotans about available resources that can help someone who might be struggling with a behavioral health concern and to encourage people to have authentic, caring conversations about suicide and mental health.

Gov. Doug Burgum announced that the integration of North Dakota’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services into one Health and Human Services (HHS) agency is effective today, Sept. 1, 2022.

The agency will be led by HHS Commissioner Chris Jones. State Health Officer Dr. Nizar Wehbi will provide vision, leadership and consultation on state health priorities.

“North Dakota’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services have a long history of working together to serve North Dakotans,” Burgum said. “Today the two departments have officially integrated into one agency, and we are deeply grateful for the hard work so many team members have invested in this effort. As a unified health and human services team, HHS has the opportunity to transform the citizen experience and help North Dakota become the healthiest state in the nation.”

Wednesday, Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. The North Dakota Department of Health, North Dakota Highway Patrol and North Dakota Department of Human Services are remembering people lost to drug overdoses and their family members and raising awareness about available prevention resources that can help save North Dakotans’ lives.